Planning a fast getaway to the Metropolis of Brotherly Love? Learn on for an in depth have a look at the right way to spend a weekend in Philadelphia.
In case you’re excited by American historical past, there’s maybe no higher metropolis to go to than Philadelphia. It was right here that the founding fathers wrote the Declaration of Independence and created a brand new nation in 1776.
I spent my youthful years residing in Philly with my household and have fond recollections of the town. I’ve been again a number of occasions over time and uncover one thing new each time. Now, I’m excited to share some insights into certainly one of my favourite American cities with you on this submit.
Weekend in Philadelphia: The Good 2 Day Itinerary
With 2 days in Philadelphia, you’ll be able to go to a few of crucial historic sights within the nation, watch an expert sports activities sport, peruse public markets, try the wonderful museums, go bar-hopping or stuff your face with cheesesteaks!
For outside fanatics, there’s the scenic Penn’s Touchdown and the large Fairmont Park. Relying on the time of yr, you’ll be able to get pleasure from climbing, kayaking, biking, ice-skating, and extra.
Let’s get to it and see what you’ll be able to stand up to with a weekend in Philadelphia!
Day 1 in Philadelphia
With simply two days in Philadelphia, you’ll need to get on the market and benefit from your quick time. For the primary day, we’ll give attention to the town’s wealthy historical past and dabble within the culinary and nightlife scenes.
Relying on what number of Philadelphia sights you need to see, you may need to think about getting the Sightseeing Move, which incorporates entrance to 35+ sights and prices $59. Click on right here for particulars.
Morning
They are saying breakfast is crucial meal of the day, and that’s undoubtedly true when you may have an enormous day of exploring a brand new metropolis forward of you!
Breakfast
One place I really useful for breakfast is FRIEDA, a European-style cafe with a killer weekend brunch menu.
In case you’d somewhat simply seize a cup of espresso and one thing mild to start out the day, La Colombe Espresso Roasters and Outdated Metropolis Espresso Inc. are each stable decisions.
With a full stomach and a pleasant caffeine buzz, you’re prepared for an enormous day in Philly.
Go to Independence Corridor
Begin your journey again in time by visiting Independence Corridor, also called “America’s birthplace.” You possibly can’t miss this place throughout your 2 days in Philadelphia, and it’s a vacation spot I return to many times.
Each the Declaration of Independence and the Structure had been signed on this historic constructing. One may make the case that it’s crucial constructing within the historical past of the United States!
To go to Independence Corridor, you’ll want to leap on a guided tour. These run every single day of the yr besides Christmas from 9 AM-5 PM. They’re completely free if you happen to join within the customer’s middle. You too can reserve on-line upfront for a $1 payment.
The corridor is definitely only one a part of a a lot bigger nationwide historic park. There’s tons extra to see right here, together with the well-known Liberty Bell.
This present to the US from Nice Britain arrived method again in 1752. It cracked, needed to be reformed, after which cracked once more. The bell has remained silent ever since!
In case you’re questioning the place the title comes from, it’s due to the quote that’s etched into the facet: “Proclaim Liberty all through the land unto all of the inhabitants thereof.”
For more information on Independence Corridor and all that it affords, try the Nationwide Park Service web site.
Tackle: 520 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA, 19106, USA
Afternoon
The way you resolve to spend your first afternoon on a weekend in Philadelphia relies upon largely in your pursuits and the climate. Listed below are some recommendations:
See Some Museums
Must you need to hold the historical past lesson rolling and/or expertise inclement climate, there are many museums to select from within the Outdated Metropolis.
- There’s the Nationwide Structure Middle, which is an interactive museum that’s enjoyable and informative for all ages. Tickets price $14.50 and embrace a screening of the inspiring “Freedom Rising.” Head to their web site to learn all concerning the numerous displays.
- One other nice possibility within the space is the Benjamin Franklin Museum. Right here you’ll be able to study all about one of the vital influential Individuals by means of 5 completely different rooms, every targeted on a distinct character trait of his. Tickets price simply $5 for this glorious museum!
- There’s additionally the Museum of the American Revolution, which options in-depth displays about this pivotal time within the nation’s historical past. Tickets price $21 and you should purchase them on-line right here. (This museum can also be included within the Sightseeing Move).
Lunch Break
For lunch, in step with the day’s historic theme, you’ll be able to pop into Metropolis Tavern. Order off their 18th-century impressed menu on this traditional restaurant the place the founding fathers as soon as dined.
Tackle: 138 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA ,19106, USA
Go to Penn’s Touchdown
Stroll just a few blocks to Penn’s Touchdown. Positioned on the Delaware River, that is the place to be on a pleasant summer time day.
Take pleasure in a stroll alongside the tree-lined promenade or exit for some enjoyable on the river. It’s attainable to lease kayaks and paddleboats or you’ll be able to simply hop on the ferry over to New Jersey to benefit from the views of the skyline.
In the course of the summer time months, Penn’s Touchdown incessantly present films and have live shows. I wouldn’t personally suggest spending 2 days in Philadelphia within the winter, however if you happen to do, you’ll be able to go ice skating right here.
Be part of a Segway Journey
One other enjoyable approach to see numerous the town in a short while is by hopping on a 2-hour Segway journey. Cruise alongside the river, cross by means of historic districts, and discover a little bit of Philly’s Chinatown. Excursions run at 12:30 and three and price $55.
Night
After an enormous day, it’s time to have fun a little bit! It is a beer-loving metropolis, so sampling just a few of the native suds undoubtedly must be in your record of issues to do throughout 2 days in Philadelphia.
Beer, Brewery and Meals Experiences
On this Philly beer tasting expertise and tour, you’ll get to go to a number of the most original bars within the metropolis. This contains full beers at every place, and snacks.
These excited by brewing could need to try this extremely rated brewery expertise. You’ll study all concerning the brewing course of and historical past and get to pattern completely different craft beers (beneficiant samples!).
In case you’re extra excited by a meals tour throughout your weekend in Philly, try this highly-rated meals tour, which incorporates consuming like an area at 5 completely different locations. Come hungry as you’ll do a number of consuming on the two.5-hour tour!
In case you simply need to do your individual factor, I like to recommend beginning out with a drink on the outside Independence Beer Backyard. They’ve a wonderful Completely happy Hour menu in addition to some moderately priced all-you-can-drink packages if you happen to’re actually trying to celebration!
For a extra swanky environment, there’s the Stratus Rooftop Lounge. Positioned atop the Resort Monaco, that is the place to see and be seen in downtown Philly.
Watch a Skilled Sports activities Recreation
As I discussed within the introduction, it is a metropolis that completely loves sports activities. Philadelphia is house to the Eagles (NFL), 76ers (NBA), Flyers (NHL), and Phillies (MLB), so there’s all the time a sport occurring.
Verify the calendar to see if one of many house groups is enjoying throughout your weekend in Philadelphia! Seeing a significant sporting occasion on this metropolis stuffed with passionate followers is certainly an expertise.
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Day 2 in Philadelphia
Hopefully you didn’t go too laborious on evening one, however that’s completely comprehensible if you happen to did. Philly is certainly a enjoyable metropolis to go to on the weekends!
Since there’s an excessive amount of to do right here to cram all of it into one weekend, I’ll offer you just a few completely different choices for the right way to spend your 2nd day within the metropolis.
Morning
Begin your day with a mixture of historical past and donuts! These are two of my favourite issues to get pleasure from throughout a weekend in Philly.
Go to the Market
An effective way to start out the day is on a visit to Studying Terminal Market. As is the case with so many locations in Philly, there’s numerous historical past right here.
The market has been working since method again when in 1893, making it one of many oldest public markets within the nation. It nearly needed to shut down within the ’70s however because of a lift in public funding it was saved.
There are round 80 retailers right here together with a number of bakeries and eating places, so you’ll be able to simply discover one thing for breakfast.
Tackle: 1136 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
Donuts for Breakfast!
Probably the greatest locations in Studying Terminal Market is Beiler’s Bakery for his or her delicious donuts.
In case you’re not that into the market however nonetheless need your fill of Homer Simpson’s favourite dish, head to Federal Donuts as a substitute.
For the final word donut expertise, try this superior tour. It’s known as the Philadelphia underground donut tour and it’s as enjoyable and scrumptious because it sounds.
Get Some Train (“Rocky” Model)
After you’ve glad your yearning for fried dough, it’s time to work it off with a little bit train — Philly fashion! One must-do on any weekend in Philadelphia itinerary is operating up the famed “Rocky” steps to the artwork museum.
Get pumped up by placing on “Eye of the Tiger” and doing a little bit of air-boxing after which run up the steps identical to Stallone did within the film. Is it an excellent touristy factor to do? It positive is. Must you nonetheless do it? In fact!
Those that are actually into the traditional movie and need to take it to the subsequent degree can try this Rocky film places tour. You’ll journey to 4 completely different sights that had been used within the collection, together with the Italian Market.
Go to the Artwork Museum
In case you’re going to run up all these stairs, you may as nicely go into the Philadelphia Museum of Artwork on the high. It has a large assortment and is likely one of the finest artwork museums I’ve ever been to.
Tickets for the museum price $25. Click on right here to guide them on-line earlier than you go. You possibly can simply spend the entire day right here so that you’ll have to maneuver rapidly if you wish to see all of the rooms.
Tackle: 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA, 19130, USA
Afternoon
You’ll be hungry once more after climbing all the steps and exploring the museum. Time to seize some lunch.
Lunch Break
No Philadelphia weekend journey could be full with out sampling the town’s iconic sandwich — the cheesesteak. There are tons of locations to attempt it, however first-timers ought to go check out the unique.
Pat’s King of Steaks claims to be the inventor of the well-known sandwich, which is made with thinly sliced steak and melted cheese on a roll.
American and provolone cheese are each frequent, however the most well-liked selection is Cheese Wiz. That’s proper, the gooey, cheese-like substance that actually isn’t cheese in any respect. Hey, it’s scrumptious!
Proper throughout the road is their largest rival, Geno’s. It’s type of just like the Coney canine problem in my hometown of Detroit. You’ll simply need to attempt them each and see which one you suppose is finest. Good factor you’ll have 2 days in Philadelphia to attempt one on every day.
Discover the Magic Gardens
In any case that meat, cheese, and bread, you may want a stroll. Good factor it’s simply quarter-hour to the subsequent vacation spot on the Philadelphia itinerary, the Magic Gardens.
It’s the brainchild of Isaiah Zagar, an award-winning mosaic mural artist and native Philadelphian. Generally known as an “immersive blended media artwork surroundings,” it’s a shocking place to go to.
Tickets are simply $10, however it’s best to seize them on-line upfront because it usually sells out. You too can join this South Philadelphia strolling tour that features a go to right here.
Tackle: 1020 South St, Philadelphia, PA, 19147, USA
Go on a Strolling Tour
These excited by getting a bit extra out of their weekend in Philadelphia can try this highly-rated Founding Fathers Historic Strolling Tour.
The tour visits lots of the locations I’ve lined to date and in addition features a beer in an area brewpub. Excursions run at 11:30, 2:30 and 5:30 and price $45.
Night
Until you resolve to affix the strolling tour, wrap up an enormous weekend in Philadelphia with a stroll alongside the hip South Avenue.
Wander Round South Avenue
South Avenue It’s the proper place to do a little bit of window buying and snap pictures of vibrant road artwork.
There are such a lot of decisions for eating places alongside South Avenue that it’s type of overwhelming. You will discover delicacies from everywhere in the map right here, from Thailand to Morocco and in all places in between.
South Avenue can also be house to all kinds of bars, from traditional Irish pubs and hookah lounges to hipster bars with names like Tattooed Mother. It’s simple to decide on your individual journey and have a enjoyable evening out right here, particularly on the weekend.
Take heed to Reside Music
In case you had been hoping to squeeze some reside music into your 2 days in Philadelphia, you’ll be able to see what’s enjoying on the Theater of Dwelling Arts. Another choice is the close by Twisted Tail, which normally has reside blues and in addition has an open jam session on Sunday.
No matter you resolve to do, give your self a pat on the again and order up your favourite drink. You’ve earned it for finishing this large itinerary for a Philadelphia weekend journey!
Insider Ideas for two Days in Philadelphia
Following this weekend itinerary will assure a superb time in Philly. You’ll have a good higher time if you happen to observe the following tips as nicely:
Food regimen later. Spending a weekend in Philadelphia is finest when it contains the finer issues in life, like cheesesteaks, donuts, and craft beer. Save that eating regimen for after your journey and revel in your self. The quinoa will nonetheless be there while you get again.
Stroll or use public transport. Philadelphia is likely one of the most walkable cities within the US. Getting round on foot ensures you’re taking within the environment and in addition burn off a few of these energy! You possibly can see lots with lengthy walks throughout 2 days in Philadelphia.
When your toes get drained, the town has a reasonably stable public transportation system. For only a 2 day journey, you’ll be able to rely totally on the Philly PHLASH Downtown Loop bus, which prices simply $2 per trip.
Skip the winter. I grew up between Detroit and Philly and lived in Beijing, so I’m no stranger to chilly climate. In case you’re touring to the town for the primary time and want to get pleasure from your self, I like to recommend giving winter a tough cross. Philly is way more pleasant when you’ll be able to stroll between sights and benefit from the riverfront.
Go to a ballgame. I do know I discussed this just a few occasions already however it’s value repeating — Philly is a sports activities metropolis. It’s an enormous a part of the native tradition and one thing it’s best to expertise, even if you happen to’re not an enormous fan.
Drink native. It ought to come as no shock {that a} metropolis that loves its sports activities workforce additionally loves beer. Don’t come to Philly and order a Heineken or a Corona. Go together with the native stuff as a substitute. I like to recommend studying up on the craft beer path earlier than touring there.
Attending to Philadelphia
Most vacationers will arrive on the Philadelphia Worldwide Airport (PHL). It’s positioned 7 miles (11 km) from downtown and there are a number of choices for touring there.
By Rail
The regional rail community referred to as SEPTA supplies an environment friendly and economical approach to journey downtown from the airport. It solely takes 25 minutes to get there and trains run each half hour.
A one-way ticket prices $8 if you happen to purchase it on board however simply $6.75 if you happen to guide upfront.
By Taxi
Taxis are additionally available on the airport. It’s a flat-rate cost of $32 to Middle Metropolis, the place you’ll probably be staying on your weekend in Philadelphia.
Rideshare
Each Uber and Lyft additionally function on the airport and are additionally good choices for getting across the metropolis throughout your 2 days in Philadelphia.
By Practice or Bus
In case you’re already touring within the US, particularly from different large cities on the East Coast, you’ll be able to simply get to Philly by prepare or bus. Town is a significant hub for Amtrak on the Northeast Hall and Keystone strains.
There are trains coming into Philadelphia from Washington DC and New York each hour through the day, for instance. They arrive on the thirtieth Avenue Station and you’ll switch to the SEPTA free of charge to get to Middle Metropolis.
A number of firms additionally function bus routes out and in of Philly, together with Greyhound, BoltBus, and Megabus. I solely have expertise with the latter, touring in from Pittsburgh and out to NYC. Tickets may be tremendous low-cost if you happen to guide nicely upfront.
Greatest Locations to Keep for a Weekend in Philadelphia
With only a weekend, you’ll need to maximize your time spent having fun with the town and decrease time spent shifting round. One of the best ways to try this is by staying in both the Outdated Metropolis or Middle Metropolis space.
They’re proper subsequent to one another and both one places you in shut proximity to the very best sights like Independence Corridor and Penn’s Touchdown. It’s additionally tremendous simple to return and go from the airport or prepare station, making your journey days much less traumatic.
Being within the middle of Philadelphia additionally means you’ll be spoiled for decisions in relation to buying, eating, and nightlife. You even have loads of choices for lodging.
Listed below are just a few of the very best to swimsuit all budgets:
If you wish to be close to the motion however not fairly in the midst of it, you’ll be able to look to neighboring areas comparable to Logan Sq. or Society Hill.
FAQs for What to Do with 2 Days in Philadelphia
Listed below are solutions to incessantly requested questions on the right way to get pleasure from Philadelphia in 2 days.
Philadelphia in two days is a pleasant period of time. Whether or not you’re in your approach to one other jap US vacation spot, like New York Metropolis, otherwise you’re on the lookout for a weekend getaway, two days in Philadelphia provides you with a superb introduction to the town, and should go away you wanting extra.
Two days in Philadelphia is loads of time to see historic sights, wander by means of hip neighborhoods, and take a look at a number of the metropolis’s well-known delicacies. On a weekend in Philly, you’ll even have sufficient time to catch an expert sports activities sport.
As one of the vital historic US cities, completely Philadelphia is value a day journey. Nonetheless, when you’ve got the time to spend a weekend in Philly, you’ll have the ability to get pleasure from extra of what this fascinating metropolis has to supply.
In line with a 2023 survey by USA Right now, Philadelphia is essentially the most walkable metropolis within the US. On foot, you’ll have the ability to see lots of the metropolis’s sights throughout a weekend in Philly.
These two main jap US cities are very shut, and getting between them by prepare is simple, so it’s undoubtedly value visiting Philadelphia from New York Metropolis. You might even do it on a day journey.
Now You Know How you can Spend a Weekend in Philadelphia
That about does it for an epic weekend in Philadelphia. I hope you get pleasure from your journey to the Metropolis of Brotherly Love a lot that you simply need to come again. It’s undoubtedly a metropolis you’ll be able to return to many times and all the time uncover one thing new.
I do know, as a result of though I lived in Philadelphia as a toddler, on every of my return visits I’ve had a good time and was all the time capable of uncover new issues. And I’m nonetheless wanting ahead to the subsequent time I can spend a weekend in Philly.
As you’ll be able to see, whereas Philly could reside within the very large shadow of New York, it has a lot to supply vacationers! E-book your journey and revel in your 2 days in Philadelphia.
Have you ever been to Philadelphia? Received an incredible attraction, restaurant, or bar to suggest? Drop a remark under!
Pictures for Philadelphia on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.
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